Hit and Miss: The Story of The John Barry Seven

In a few months time, our book "Hit and Miss: The Story of The John Barry Seven" will be published. Thoroughly and painstakingly researched over a number of years, it will feature contributions from several ex-members of the band and from friends and relatives of John Barry.

Comprising of around 350 pages, it will also be packed with an array of rare photos of the band, and the singers they often supported, as well as some unique images of memorabilia and documentation from that era; some never previously published, many more seldom seen.

Even if you are not necessarily a devotee of The John Barry Seven per se, the book offers a fascinating historical insight into the British music scene of the period and, more importantly, provides an essential read for anybody remotely interested in discovering more about John Barry's formative career.

It will be of great assistance to the authors if you would indicate an interest in purchasing a copy of the book *now*, without obligation. We will then be able to notify you as soon as the book is available with details of cost and how to order and pay.

The sad saga of John Barry’s house in Mallorca

Over the last few years, a couple of people had contacted us about the possibility of purchasing and restoring John’s former property and asking for contact information.

One of them, a resident of Germany, duly set about purchasing it but received several warnings of likely problems from various consultants.

Firstly, law changes made 8 years ago stipulated that houses must be finished within 3 years after getting the building permit – and this house has been unfinished and empty for the last 40 years.

Secondly, the area where the house is placed has become a “green zone" area; and it’s forbidden to build any housing there.

Thirdly, the house is much too big for the little (14,000 sq m) plot. This plot size allows houses of max 3% of the plot which is about 450 sq m. John Barry’s house is 1600 sq m!!

Fourthly, the house has 3 storeys; the maximum allowed now is 2 storeys. This would mean, in the worst case scenario, partial demolition and the loss of the overall unique design.

Acquiring all this information cost him 10,000 Euros!

The Spanish lawyer who was in charge of selling the house, was not being very helpful, but he did have a real estate agent who handled it. After eighteen months, he started to push for a sale, claiming he had a second buyer, also from Germany, who was interested.

This was taken to be merely selling technique, since the house was not even visibly on the market, and in any case the original interested party had even more concerns. He explained that he needed more time to talk to all relevant government departments, to see if there was any possibility of exception to the rules. Furthermore, the island had recently undergone a change of government and things were changing -- nobody was able to confirm anything which had a legal basis for buying the house.

However, it turned out there really was a second buyer and he duly completed the purchase at the beginning of this year - 2016!

The new owner also liked the history of the house and thought he would get the building licence within 3 months – but this was 6 months ago. Apparently it has become much more difficult to get the licence, and “the Spanish time runs much, much slower then German time.”

We are told that it could take up to 3 years and then you learn if you can finish the house -- or you have to break it down.

August, 2014

October 2016

First thumb shows black - but does load.

Both sets with kind permission.

Martin Crosthwaite interviews John Barry

1979

MC: Now you are residing in Hollywood, was there a specific reason why you decided to leave England?

JB: I left England and was living in Spain where I was in the process of having a house built. During which time I was offered, Eleanor and Franklin (1976) for American television. So I went to the States in October 1975 for six weeks to do that job, but have stayed ever since. It wasn't my intention to do so, but then I got offered King Kong (1976), then Robin and Marian (1976) for Richard Lester, which was an immediate situation. Initially I lived at the Beverly Hills Hotel, bungalow 15.

MC: So you still have your house in Spain?

JB: I’m trying to sell it (he laughs) – it’s unfinished. The builder is still there with a brick in his hand waiting for my next direction.

PIA website

Play It Again Records CD catalogue offered the discerning listener a wide choice of digitally re-mastered recordings from film and television, and rare collections of work from the likes of Don Black and Ron Grainer.

The popular Q The Music Show brings its James Bond Concert Spectacular to Buxton Opera House.

The 13-piece band will be bringing the fabulous and iconic music of James Bond to you in a stunning concert. This show has been a huge success all around the world with its energetic and exciting performance by some of the UK’s leading musicians.

Featuring all the songs from the 007 movies, you can hear the greats like Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Skyfall, Thunderball, Live And Let Die, Goldeneye and Licence To Kill amongst all the others. With top musicians and an informative and highly amusing compere, this show has everything you could want for a fabulous night out – and one that you will be talking about for years to come. Formed in 2004, Q The Music Show have established a worldwide reputation for their authentic covers, orchestral sound and fabulous hair-raising vocalists. The show has been popular abroad at events in Monte Carlo, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Guernsey, Prague and many others.

The Music of BondRoyal Albert HallWednesday 19 September 2018Starts: 7:30pm

Presented by Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace). Over fifty years of timeless James Bond themes from all your favourite 007 films.

Hits from Goldfinger, Licence to Kill, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, Spectre, From Russia with Love to name just a few, all sung by outstanding vocalists Alison Jiear and Matthew Ford.

John Barry created some of the most memorable and recognisable film scores of the 20th century, such as Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, Dances with Wolves, Zulu and of course much of the music from the James Bond series; his versatility and originality were peerless. His death in 2011 deprived cinema of a true musical great. This concert pays tribute to his life and music with a carefully selected programme, conducted by Nicholas Dodd, who collaborated closely with the composer on his later films. Nicholas Dodd is regarded as one of the leading conductors and orchestrators of Hollywood film music and is a noted expert on, and performer of John Barry’s music. In fact, every James Bond movie from the last 10 years bears his signature.